Journalists were on Friday barred from covering the swearing in of the acting President and a Justice of the Court of Appeal, Justices Zainab Bulkachuwa and Ifeoma Jombo-Ofo respectively.
The event, which took place in one of the chambers of the Supreme Court in Abuja, saw journalists struggling to carry out their lawful duty but were prevented from doing so by armed security men.
Some of the journalists told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that such an event deserved full coverage by the media.
Others said the event should have been held in the auditorium rather than in a chamber that could barely contain 20 people.
NAN, however, caught up with Bulkachuwa and Jombo-Ofo shortly after the ceremony.
Bulkachuwa expressed happiness for attaining such an enviable position in a male-dominated society.
She promised to assess plans on ground in order come up with workable strategies that would take the judiciary to a higher level.
“I feel happy, I feel elated, but I also thank God for bringing me to this stage.
“I have to see what is on ground and then make my plans,'' she said.
On her part, Jombo-Ofo expressed satisfaction that the law had taken its course.
She promised to put in her best to disappoint her detractors.
She called on women not to be deterred by any opposition in their quest for a fulfilling career.
“I feel great, I feel fulfilled. The law has taken the course that God really wanted it to take.
“Every woman should have an ambition and aspire to get there with hard work.
“I will do my best, I know it’s a challenge, but I’m going to face it,'' she said.
Jombo-Ofo was recently prevented from being sworn in with 11 other justices following petitions questioning her elevation on account of her state of origin.
She hails from Anambra but transferred her service to Abia, her husband’s state of origin, and has served there for many years. (NAN)